I have an all electric 2017 Lowe 1040 which is perfect for transporting in my pickup bed and hand launching it in places (which are many) that do not have a ramp. It's spartan without swivel seats to maintain the weight down and keep it manageable (I'm 67) and it's a real keeper.

 

But lately I've been looking at maybe something a "bit" longer and wider (with storage constraints 14' is max) with power to be able to scoot about in larger bodies of fresh water. So, after owning several much larger ocean use boats I've been thinking of a used welded aluminum boat like a Grizzly and the 1448 looks ideal. It will fit in my back yard alongside the house, and I can equip it any way I want.

 

The rub is other than seeing lots of Grizzlys on the water, I do not know anyone who has one so here I am asking if one I found is a decent price. Pic below, any help / advice would be greatly appreciated. New locally one would be it's ~$8k, I'm thinking the price is "fair" but I could be wrong.

 

 

 

 

That sounds like a fair price to me. If the motor checks out and you showed up with $3200-$3500, I think you could take it.  Other than being a touch overpowered, which may or may not cause issues with the law, I think it would do what you want.

Not trying to sway you, but you might want to check out a Gheenoe. I know they look “tippy” but can assure you they are not.

 

About ten years ago I picked up a used one as a “second” boat. 

 

Wound up with a 15’6” Classic (I know that’s bigger than what you stated but they also have smaller models), 25 hp  electric start, stick steering, power tilt and trim, 55 lb foot control tm, depth finder, bilge pump, lights, the works. Runs 31/32 mph in inches of water, sips gas, and is so stable you can stand on the gunnel and pee over the side without tipping.

 

You can make them as spartan or as fancy as you want.

 

Check out “customgheenoe.com”. 

 

There are plenty of them in south Florida and you can probably get a test ride from somebody down that way.

 

Once I got my Gheenoe up and running (bought it used and had to do some work on it) I realized I had not taken the full sized bass boat (18’, 150, decked out and ran 82 mph gps) out but twice in 18 months. Sold the big boat and have never looked back. Now fish small, shallow, out of the way places and I’m catching more and bigger fish than ever with no crowds to contend with.

 

You owe it to yourself to at least check out their website. Spend an hour or so seeing the possibilities and decide for yourself.

 

 

P.S. - I’m 67 also with a lengthy list of health issues and have no problems getting the boat launched/loaded by myself.

Hi Gary - I had one (it was a 2016 Grizzly 1448MVX), absolutely loved it (it died in a crash after only a couple months). Bought it because I needed a better fishing platform than my '66 Starcraft. The 1448 is solid good thick aluminum, very sturdy built-in casting deck. I wanted something manageable (I'm 50) and found 14' to be just that, and still not uncomfortable. I bought it new with the trailer for $3,500 and built it up the way I wanted, just as you said. Added a bimini top, side rails, a homebrew steering console, used 15hp 2-stroke, 2 seats, lights, trolling motor and GPS/finder. With no deck rails I wouldn't recommend standing on the deck to cast - I tried it but don't find it very comfortable or safe - I found the pedestal seat on the casting deck was plenty high for casting from a sitting position, and felt much more secure. From there you can brace your feet on the sides (they're slightly raised from the deck) for stability in waves.

 

It sits very low in the water so I wouldn't take it into much chop. I found it very stable, well made, comfortable. It has a max hp rating of 25. I used a 15 2-stroke because that's what I had on hand, but the boat would go only 8 mph. I'd go with the max rating for sure on this boat. It will not be over powered.

 

Your $8K estimate seems right on. That's basically what mine came to after it was done (not counting all the sweat equity!)

 

I think the one if the ad looks great, assuming no cracked welds or big dents (which could indicate cracks). Price seems fair, and if it's posted at 3,900 maybe that's an indicator it would go for 3,500 cash

 

Great boat. Highly recommended.

 

Hi Dave, and thx for the recommendation but I looked at Gheenoe a few years ago but I really like my "stuff" aboard. A Gheenoe won't cut it.

 

Shortfish, it's great to see such detailed comments! Many boaters (or most collectors / enthusiasts) seem to have "rose colored glasses" when reviewing their stuff.

 

I guess my only problem with the Grizz is it lacks a center bench seat which I like, instead it has a wide aft bench and longer front deck. I'll see it today hopefully and let my impulses take over ?